Beta test

A beta version of a computer program is a first issue of a program for the purpose of assessing any errors that it may contain or market interest. In response, the program developer may add new features later. It is a preview. Beta testers report bugs that they find and sometimes suggest additional features they would like to see in the final version. If the program is open-source it may be released to the general public for testing but programs that are used in proprietary systems are tested by relatively small groups. A beta version of a computer program is a first issue of a program for the purpose of assessing any errors that it may contain or market interest. In response, the program developer may add new features later. It is a preview. Beta testers report bugs that they find and sometimes suggest additional features they would like to see in the final version. If the program is open-source it may be released to the general public for testing but programs that are used in proprietary systems are tested by relatively small groups.